An Anniversary

Today is our ten month anniversary of moving to Essex--time enough for a woman to have a baby, but I haven't even finished unpacking. Oh well. I wish I had done more, but there really isn't a rush. Moving is a lot of work; I definitely underestimated the difficulty. In addition, I want to have some bookshelves installed in the dining room to make it a combo dining room/library. I need to get working on that. 

Today was an important day for another reason. Jeff and I signed our wills and health care directives. We also agreed to a investment plan with our financial advisors. This is a big thing to cross off our to-do list.

We can be proud of ourselves. 

Happy Birthday and Blogoversary

Yesterday was my birthday--Jace's too. Today is my 16th anniversary posting here. Jeff and I are in the process of getting a financial plan including wills and health care power of attorney. And, of course, Jeff's sister died in April. So, I'm thinking a lot about time, i.e. the time that I have left. 

I want to use some time to revisit my Merwinsville book. Over the last few days, I read about the Merwin and Gaylord families and double checked some dates. For a few minutes I wondered if I was wrong about Sylvanus Merwin and Peter Gaylord being half brothers. Luckily, I was right. 

I was surprised to see I hadn't written or edited anything in over a year. (Although I believe I journaled about Merwinsville a few times.) I'm trying to get into that head set and think about the people. I need to develop the rivalry between the half brothers and add details. I'll probably lose the original scenes between Syl and Flora. Beef up the conflict. Figure out the ending.

Update: Moving, Stress, Another Walk-Thru, and An Anniversary

Jeff and I have been married 37 years today. With all of the moving to-dos, expenses, and stress, we're not up to a big celebration. We were going to go out to dinner, but I was leaning to getting takeout. Then Jeff suggested lunch. It was a late one. We had a new mattress and box spring delivered and were the last of the jobs. 

In the middle of the mattress delivery, I quickly vacuumed the floor--years of dog hair and dust. Hmm, dog hair and dust. Could be a cologne on Wednesday. 

Anyway, it was drizzly when we finally headed out around 2:45, and we wanted to take Jace.  As we were waiting for the mattress, I researched dog friendly Norwalk restaurants that had covered outdoor dining areas. I selected Tavern on 7. It's basically a sports bar, but had some interesting specials. Unfortunately, they were out of the special I really wanted, shrimp bisque. A good lunch, but loud being right on Route 7. Our take-out dinner entree (I didn't want to cook today) and dessert were mediocre. 

People are telling me I'm going to miss Norwalk when we go. Right now, I'm pretty jaded with/by Norwalk Of course, it's more the people I'll miss. I've spent over half of my life here in Norwalk, in this condo. I hope I will find some fond memories.

We're driving down to Maryland tomorrow. Friday will be our second walk-thru of our condo. I'm packing some basic supplies in my car--what I can fit. It will be our first time seeing it empty.

We changed our moving date from September 25th to October 2. That gives us another week;  I hope it will be enough. 

Happy Anniversary Jace!

Yesterday was our third anniversary with Jace. I'll never forget the date; it's also my mother's birthday. 

We celebrated with a filet mignon dinner (yay, filet was on sale.)

We can't wait to show Jace our new place. He'll love it. 

A Family Holiday

Our great niece Daphne turned one today. I even got our presents to her early (not like she'd know.) I was happy with the gifts we sent. Got a nice text from our nephew about the photo. It made me feel good.

Today is also the 23rd anniversary of when Spike came to live with us. Spike was a wonderful dog. No wonder we got two beagles after him. 

We love you, Spike!

To Spike

As I was writing my Festivus post, I realized that yesterday was the ninth anniversary of Spike's death, and I didn't think of it yesterday.

I feel guilty about that. On the other hand, it's more important to remember Spike's life than his death. It's not like we forgot about him. 

We will always love and miss him. 

A Thankful Thursday Post

I am thankful for the following:

Jeff saw a new acupuncturist who is part of his neurology group. She ordered X-rays for his back (which he had today) and more physical therapy--schedule to be determined. 

Beautiful weather. Jace and I went to three "destination" walks this week (i.e. not around our neighborhood) Taylor Farm, the Norwalk River Valley Trail, and Winslow Park. 

Jeff and I celebrated our 36th anniversary.

Even though I didn't feel well yesterday and worried about a colitis setback, I feel good today.

I'm getting excited about our move out of Connecticut. We still have a lot of work to do before that happens, but I feel that we're on our way. 

The Mets are playing great baseball. Tonight they beat the Phillies 10-6.They had a 2-run lead at the end of the first. Every time the Phillies scored, the Mets responded. The Mets are currently in the second wild-card position. They have the toughest remaining schedule of all the contenders, but as I said, they're playing great baseball. I believe again.

36

Today is Jeff's and my 36th wedding anniversary. We didn't consider going away because we already spent a week in New Jersey and one in Baltimore this summer. 

Today, I cared for the NCNC birds, ran some errands and picked up anniversary gifts for Jeff. As of Sunday, I didn't have a clue for his gift. Then it downed on me--photos. Okay, some wives would give their husband boudoir photos, but not me. I gave Jeff Jace photos. 

I think this is the best photo I've taken of Jace. 

This looks better after I cropped it.

I framed this first two; I put the second two in magnetized plastic sleeves--more refrigerator pics. 

I emailed the pictures to CVS; it took less than 24 hours and under $2 to print. I don't know why I didn't do this before.

Tonight Jeff and I went to dinner at Barcelona. Apparently, the menu online was outdated or was the Stamford, not the Norwalk Barcelona. I mentioned I was disappointed that the heirloom tomatoes weren't available. They comped us a gem lettuce with tomato salad. Nice. We shared a variety of tapas: delicata squash, flank steak, bacon wrapped dates, chorizo and figs, mahon cheese and bread. I love that they offer mini drinks at happy hour and 3 ounce as well as 6 ounce glasses of wine.

We had a great meal, came home and had cupcakes for dessert, and watched the Mets win. A good night.

Bring On August

Just a handful of days to get through July. July isn't been good. Honestly, the things I complain about started in June. 

HHH Weather--we've had three heat waves this season. Plus, several poor air quality days.

Gastric Issues--I haven't been 100 percent since early June.

Let's look at August.

The Sono Arts Festival is next weekend. It shrinks each year, but I still enjoy going. I called my friend Chris today, and we made plans to go next Sunday. 

Jace's two-year anniversary with us is on August 25. He seems to finally be comfortable when we leave him.

We're going to visit friends in Baltimore in August.

Bring on August.

Lola's Anniversary and National Beagle Day

Eight years ago today, Lola came to live with us--a better anniversary than the last one I mentioned. We had six years of love with her. 

Today is also Earth Day and National Beagle Day. So, Lola (and Jace and Spike) we salute you. 

Remembering Lola

Two years ago today, we said goodbye to Lola. We miss her. 

It breaks my heart to think about her life before she joined Jeff and me at around age 5. She had clearly been abused but knew only love with us. Okay, full disclosure: I once smacked her with a manilla file folder. She had been peacefully sleeping while I wrapped Christmas presents. Suddenly she got up and started chewing my wrapping paper. Chewing miscellaneous things was her biggest fault. 

Here are some photos of our sweet girl. 

We love you, Lola.

An Avian Anniversary

Two years ago today was the first time I cared for the birds at New Canaan Nature Center. The previous week I had shadowed Derick, the Director of Animal Control, and took notes.

When I started there were six birds: Hedwig, Gus, and Jasper--owls, Ralph--a turkey vulture, Glory--a bald eagle, and Tupelo--a red tailed hawk. Since then, Hedwig, Glory, and Jasper died. The center added Phoenix--a red tailed hawk, Mort--a black vulture,  and recently, a barred owl like Hedwig. I'll get pictures of Phoenix and the still unnamed barred owl soon. 

35

Jeff and I got married 35 years ago today. 

My mother said I had wasted too much time on two old boyfriends and would probably never get married. A random co-worker said, "Aren't you kind of old to be getting married?" 

Whatever. Here we are. Happy anniversary and half-way day.

Thoughts for a Thursday

It hasn't been the greatest week. I strained a muscle in my right arm lifting Jace into the car on Monday. Jeff had a few days of more than usual pain and one night he couldn't sleep. On the plus side, we made it to the gym today, and we both had good workouts. Jace is over his "stomach problems" this week. Yesterday's rain washed out the humidity. I actually drank hot coffee this morning.

The Mets have won three games in a row against the Arizona Diamondbacks after ex-Met Tommy Pham spoiled the opener (for the Mets, that is) with a pivotal home run. It's fun watching the baby Mets on the big stage as well as seeing the more established players do well. Unlike Keith Hernandez, I'm not looking for the Mets to figure in the wild card race. I'll be happy if they make it to the .500 mark.

Hurricane Lee is heading up the Atlantic coast bringing windy conditions to us in Connecticut. I'm glad we decided not to go up to Massachusetts even though we weren't going near the coast. 

Hoping things go well onto our wedding anniversary on Sunday.

It's a No

For about four months, I've been thinking and talking about Jeff and I going on a two-week road trip for out 35th wedding anniversary in September. Then the two-weeks dropped to two days. Yesterday, we decided not to go anywhere. It was an abrupt turnaround. I had done hours of research on places to stay. On Tuesday night, I thought I had found a great place. 

That night the doubts started, and I couldn't sleep. The summer had a rough one financially. I wondered if we should spend more money. I knew intellectually the amounts we could spend wouldn't break us, but the idea of spending more made me anxious. Then I worried about the weather, whether or not we could trust Jace to behave, etc.

When we talked the next morning, Jeff and I both had doubts. So we decided to stay home. We'll plan a nice day close to home. 

Happy Anniversary Jace!

It was one year ago that we drove to Boonton, NJ to pick up Jace. He made himself right at home. 

Tonight I'm making a duck breast for dinner. We also have gelato and Dogsters to celebrate. 

Remembering Lola

Today is the one year anniversary of the day we lost Lola. It seems so long ago. 

We adopted Lola from DAWS (Danbury Animal Welfare Society) in 2016. She was timid and fearful, hiding under our table. Lola grew more confident and outgoing, but she never fully lost her fear and anxiety. 

We don't know much about Lola's early life in Kentucky, but she had clearly been abused. For the six years she lived with us, Lola knew love, care, and fun.

We love you and miss you. Thank you Lola for spending six years with us. 

Happy Birthday Jeff!

It's a big birthday for Jeff, but for various reasons, we're not celebrating big. Maybe next year. 

I did make a double batch of vodka sauce for dinner tonight. I need to go out and get something chocolate for our dessert.  

Today is also Jace's one month anniversary with us. Time to celebrate.

34 Years

Jeff and I have been married for 34 years. 

I don't know what I was doing at this time 34 years ago. Maybe I was at the hair salon. My stylist Arthur was late, but another stylist did my hair and did a great job. So all was well. This little snag was overshadowed by the limo from hell.

We don't have elaborate plans this year. We planned to go out to dinner, but Jace suffers from separation anxiety and barks. So we're going to get takeout and eat at home until we work through his issues. It's not glamorous, but we don't need glamour. The important thing is that we're together.

Two Weeks with Jace

Thursday marked two weeks since Jace came to live with us. It's been fun but challenging. We've settled into a routine. We usually get up between 6:30 and 7. I wash up, brush my teeth, and dress. He waits patiently. We do a long morning walk--about 45-50 minutes. I like to try new routes around the neighborhood. Today we went to Oyster Shell Park. 

When we return, I give Jace breakfast. Then he usually veges on the couch. We've been going out for two or three walks each day and a few pee breaks. He always wants to walk. He is mostly friendly with all the other dogs. Mimi who lives on the third floor is an issue. She won't stop barking when we meet and Jace does the same. Last night I took him out for his last break a little earlier to avoid running into her at 10. 

Jace has met Dylan and Jack twice. The first time Dylan leaned down from the wall (and invisible fence boundary) and Jace put his front paws on the wall to get closer. It was so cute. Thursday we saw them again. Jack looked vicious, baring his teeth. He always barked at Lola but never looked so mean. Dylan is a sweetheart. Just by walking down Highwood Avenue, we ignited a chorus of barking of the street's dogs. 

On Thursday at Oyster Shell, I saw an egret, swans and a hawk. I followed the hawk around to get some picture. Unfortunately, this was the best I could get. 

Looking forward to exploring new places with Jace.